An unforgettable evening
in support of conservation education
An elegant evening where conservation meets celebration.
Join us for one of the Virginia Living Museum’s most anticipated nights of the year. An immersive experience filled with incredible food, lively entertainment, and meaningful impact.
SAVE THE DATE
Friday, October 9, 2026
Tickets often sell quickly, so advance purchase is strongly encouraged.
Support the Mission
Support science education, conservation, and biodiversity while enjoying a night designed to delight every sense.
From the moment you arrive, you’ll step into an atmosphere that feels both elevated and alive—where every detail has been thoughtfully curated. Expect the unexpected… in the very best way.
Behind it all is something deeper.
Otter Ball supports the work that happens here every day—caring for animals, educating our community, and protecting the natural world. Each ticket, each bid, each moment of generosity helps sustain meaningful work in our community and beyond.
For many, it’s become a tradition.
A night to gather, celebrate, and give back to a place that means something.
An Evening of Wild Wonders
Food & Drink
Savor a menu crafted by Saté – A New American Experience, designed to be both indulgent and memorable.
Enjoy:
- Build-your-own taco bar
- Artisanal noodle station
- Locally sourced blue crab deviled eggs
- Signature shrimp and grits arancini
Sip throughout the evening with:
- Wines, craft beers, and premium spirits
- A signature cocktail created exclusively for the event
Every bite and sip is designed to feel like part of the experience.
Entertainment & Atmosphere
As the evening unfolds, enjoy:
- Live music and dancing under the stars
- Performances by local favorite Barry Manilow’s Wardrobe
- Professional photography to capture the night
It’s a celebration designed to carry you from conversation to dance floor, seamlessly.
Experiences You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
This is not just a gala—it’s a night filled with one-of-a-kind moments.
- Exclusive viewing of rare biofacts (one night only)
- Up-close animal encounters
- Interactive experiences throughout the museum
Moments that feel rare, personal, and impossible to recreate.
The Auction Experience
This is the heart of the evening.
As the room gathers, the energy shifts—what began as a celebration becomes something more meaningful.
At Otter Ball, the auction is thoughtfully curated to reflect the spirit of the Museum.
These aren’t typical items. They’re experiences you won’t find anywhere else:
- Behind-the-scenes animal encounters
- One-of-a-kind museum experiences
- Opportunities created by the people who care for and study our wildlife
Each bid is more than a moment of excitement—it’s a way to give back.
And by the end of the night, what matters most isn’t just what you take home…
but what you helped make possible.
Looking for Sponsorship Opportunities?
Support the mission while gaining meaningful visibility for your business or organization.
Volunteer at Otter Ball
while supporting a night dedicated to celebration and conservation.
